Letter: Name should be remembered

We all need to show respect for Brigadier General Thaddeus Kosciuszko. The bridges on the Northway between Halfmoon in Saratoga County and Colonie in Albany County in New York State are named after him. The bridges opened in 1959 dedicated to Brigadier General Thaddeus Kosciuszko. This section of highway was inaugurated be Gov. Nelson Rockefeller on May 26, 1961.

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was born in Poland in 1746. He came to a struggling America in 1776. He volunteered his services to the Continental Army and soon became appointed Chief Engineer. His first structure was Fort Billingsport (Philadelphia). He directed the construction of several forts and the reinforcement of many others, including Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Clinton (West Point). He played a strategic role in the Battle of Saratoga, laying out an excellent array of defenses. This win by the Continental Army is considered a turning point in the America Revolution. He also played a role in the south, near Charleston.

He stayed in the United States for seven years, having been promoted to brigadier general. In 1978, he collected his back pay and asked Thomas Jefferson to use it to help free the black slaves. The money was never used for this purpose. It was returned to his heirs.

I would like to propose a rededication of this bridge. I am asking Carol Breen and Bill Reynolds (ed: of the state Department of Transportation) in hopes this will happen. I would like Halfmoon and Saratoga County dignitaries to be present.

I am extremely upset the name of the bridges used by the media is the Twin Bridges. The highways should be called the Brigadier General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Bridge. Please do your homework to learn how to pronounce Kosciuszko. This shows a lack of respect for a hero who helped win the Revolutionary War. We must remember our history. Shame on all you people.